Star-Ledger file photoFormer Jets defensive lineman Dennis Byrd made an emotional return to the Meadowlands in 1993, the year after sustaining a scary career-ending neck injury.

Dennis Byrd sent a package to the Jets on Wednesday with the sole purpose of sharing something close to his heart.

In it, he placed the No. 90 jersey that was cut off his shoulder pads during a horrific collision at the Meadowlands in 1992, when he hit teammate Scott Mersereau and broke the C-5 vertebra in his neck. He would never play football again, regaining the power to walk only after extensive rehabilitation.

Admittedly living a quiet life at his ranch in Talala, Okla., with his two horses, four dogs and four children, Byrd felt it was time to re-connect with the organization.

"I sent them the jersey with the understanding that this was something I'd like to share with them, really the jersey was sent for coach (Rex) Ryan," Byrd told reporters Sunday. "I love to watch him as a coach and he understands the significance of these things."

What materialized was a heartfelt speech he gave to the team at their hotel yesterday. Ryan had a highlight film of Byrd made, and introduced him to his players. For the next 15 minutes, Byrd did his best to relay the significance of this moment.

Braylon Edwards tweeted that, after hearing it, he'd never been more ready to perform in his life.

"The most important thing about this moment is for the men of this team to understand that they don't come along very often," Byrd said. "This is a critical point, an important point for the Jets and the young men. I want them to know that "this is it," it's not looking to the future, it's not next year or we need this piece or that piece, or we'll be better when we do this, it's now."

Byrd was nervous at first, as he noticed how quiet all the players were. But eventually, he spent some individual time with the players and found that he achieved his goal.

"It was priceless, whenever I was speaking to them initially they were so quiet that I was a little nervous that, 'oh this is falling flat, this is not working' and that happens at times whenever you have people's attentions," Byrd said. "I didn't panic and in visiting with the men afterward and the coaches it was easy to see that it had the effect that that I really wished it did."

Previously, Byrd had mostly been in contact with the team though Brock Sunderland, a Jets scout whose father formerly held the same position.